demonstrations:dry_ice_carbonated_ice_cream
Dry Ice Carbonated Ice Cream
Materials: ★★★ Requires materials not commonly found in school laboratories
Difficulty: ★★☆ Can be done by science teachers
Safety: ★★☆ Some safety precautions required to perform safely
Categories: Dry Ice, Food Science and Nutrition
Alternative titles: Bubbly Ice Cream
Summary
By mixing a simple ice cream base with dry ice, the mixture freezes rapidly while also becoming lightly carbonated.
Procedure
- Place dry ice in a paper bag and crush it into small pieces or powder using a mallet, hammer, or rolling pin.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups heavy cream, 2 cups half-and-half, 3/4 cup sugar, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 1/8 teaspoon salt. (For chocolate ice cream, stir in 1 cup chocolate syrup.)
- Slowly add a little crushed dry ice at a time, mixing thoroughly between additions.
- Continue adding dry ice until the ice cream thickens to the desired consistency.
- Stir in candy pieces, fruit, or flavorings if desired.
- If the ice cream is too hard, let it warm slightly before eating. Store leftovers in the freezer.
Links
How To Make Carbonated Ice Cream - TKOR (uses dry ice from a fire extinguisher):
How to Make Your Own Soft Serve With Dry Ice - WIRED (different receipe)
📄 How to Make Carbonated Ice Cream - Instructables: https://www.instructables.com/How-To-Make-Carbonated-Ice-Cream-Halloween-Style-D/
Variations
- Make chocolate ice cream using condensed milk, cocoa powder, and whipped cream before adding dry ice.
- Stir in candy, nuts, or fruit for extra flavor and texture.
- Try different extracts such as mint, almond, or coconut.
Safety Precautions
- Always wear gloves when handling dry ice to prevent frostbite.
- Do not eat solid pieces of dry ice
- Ensure all of the dry ice has sublimated before consuming.
- Test the ice cream before eating; if it is too hard and extremely cold, let it soften slightly.
- Keep dry ice out of reach of children.
- Work in a well ventilated area
Questions to Consider
- How does sublimation of dry ice freeze the ice cream faster than a freezer?
- Why does the ice cream taste slightly carbonated?
- What differences do you notice between dry ice ice cream and traditional ice cream?
- How could the ingredients or proportions be changed to make smoother or creamier ice cream?